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Perilous Journey Short-Story Contest

Can’t get enough of the dyslit genre? Then you should definitely tune in on Wednesday, December 12 at 6:00 p.m. ET, when David Levithan chats with authors Chris Howard(Rootless) and Jeff Hirsch(Magisterium) about the two very different dystopian worlds they create in their new novels. (You can sign up for a chat reminder here!)

To get you excited about the chat, we’re hosting a short-story contest—and giving you a chance to win a copy of Rootless!

Rootless is set in a future where there is no nature—no trees, no flowers, no cows or squirrels. All that remains is a dusty landscape and man-made structures. In Chris Howard’s novel, his main character Banyan sets out on an epic road trip in hopes of finding his missing father . . . and the last living trees on earth. Along the way, he faces extreme danger: threats from the evil GenCorp, corrupt pirates, harrowing dust storms, and man-eating locusts. But for Banyan, this journey is worth risking everything.

Contest Prompt

In 500 words or fewer, write a short-story in which your main character sets out on a perilous journey.

Prizes

Figment editors will choose four winners to receive a copy of Rootless by Chris Howard and to be featured on the Figment homepage!

How to Enter

1. Read the full rules.
2. Create an account on Figment.com.
3. Start a new writing of 500 words or less.
4. Tag your writing with BanyanContest on the Details tab.
5. Press “Publish Now.”
6. You should receive a pop-up confirmation of your entry, and in about two hours or so, your piece should appear among the submissions.

You have until Tuesday, December 11at 11:59 p.m. ET to enter your story. So start writing, already!

Please note: The comment box below is only for questions about how to enter this contest or other logistical issues.